Your first-time move questions answered

There are plenty of reasons why you are choosing to move abroad, but before you make your plans to relocate to your dream country, you might need a little advice. Here’s where we come in with answers on everything from packing and shipping to settling-in and schooling.

1. I’ve got a year. Is that too soon to arrange a moving quotation?

While a year might seem like a long time to plan an international relocation, you may be surprised how fast the time goes by—especially when you are researching and planning your move. Also, depending on where you’re going, you may need a year or more to receive your visa. Give yourself plenty of time to arrange relocation quotations, appoint a relocation company and finalise all your arrangements. We recommend you make contact a minimum of three months prior to your planned moving date.

2. The whole packing process is making me stressful, I am not sure what to do…

Packing your possessions can be a process, particularly at the beginning of the move. If you hire professional packers, they are fully trained to make sure your possessions are well protected and perfectly safe throughout the entire process of your relocation. Be ruthless in getting rid of junk. It’s a false economy to think that packing everything you own is the easiest option. Donate clothes and goods to charity (many charities offer a collection service) or look into selling items online, identify items to be recycled.

3. Do I need to do anything to prepare for the packing day?

Prior to the packers’ arrival, make sure you dispose any items you do not wish to take with you. Disconnect and defrost refrigerators, drain the washing machine and thoroughly clean the house. Don’t forget to separate any items you will need to take with you when traveling, including passports, money, travel documents, important paperwork, jewelry, valuables and suitcases.

4. Do I really need transit protection?

It is important to remember that your goods will be traveling by ship, plane, truck or other mode of transport—each of which carries inherent risks. For your peace of mind, get a transit protection that provides full replacement cost coverage on a door-to-door, all-risks basis. Find out if additional protection is available to cover pairs and sets, electrical and mechanical derangement and damage through mould and mildew.

5. Can I track my shipment?

Most relocation companies have a common platform for communication and operation. This means that before you arrive at your destination, you will already have up-to-date information via the online tracking system. Crown Relocations has a personalised portal for everything move related. Customers can view and accept service proposals, manage documents, access destination guides and transit timeline.

6. How do I know where to stay and how to get around?

Every destination offers a wide range of accommodation styles to suit the needs, lifestyle and budget of everyone. Don’t feel you need to buy a house even if the plan is to stay long term. Often renting close to work for the first few months is the best way to adjust to a new country. Our destination guides cover all the necessary things you need to know before you arrive.

7. Is previewing the location going to make life easier?

There’s a big difference between visiting a place and living there. So while you’re planning your international move for later in the year why not enjoy a virtual preview trip to help you feel like you’re already there? It enables you to experience more of a destination when you can’t be there in person.

8. What about schooling for my kids? What should I expect?

Changing schools and adapting to an international or local curriculum can have a big impact on your child’s development. Most destinations provide a good mix of schools, international, private and public. Expect to go through admissions process, compare each school’s curriculum, entrance requirements, and application procedures. It’s also vital that schools have as much information about your family in advance of a visit as possible.

9. I hear a lot about “cultural shock”. Is there something to it?

It’s important to remember that all of the feelings experienced at the first stage of culture shock are based on your perspective of the new culture and these can easily be changed. Crown Relocations’ intercultural training helps families settle into their new location smoothly. The confidence gained from learning how to communicate, and integrate into the local culture, ensures settling into your new life with ease.

10. Is there one thing I’m likely going to forget?

Home comfort. You will miss the comfort food you always have in your home country that you may not easily find at your new home. Whether it’s English breakfast tea, Vegemite on toast or Reese’s chocolate. You will feel at ease when you have these comfort goodies with you.